title: Use of digital technologies for nasal prosthesis manufacturing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Digital technology is becoming more accessible for common use in medical applications; however, their expansion in prosthetic and orthotic laboratories is not large because of the persistent image of difficult applicability to real patients. This article aims to offer real example in the area of human facial prostheses.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article describes the utilization of optical digitization, computational modelling, rapid prototyping, mould fabrication and manufacturing of a nasal silicone prosthesis. This technical note defines the key points of the methodology and aspires to contribute to the introduction of a certified manufacturing procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show that the used technologies reduce the manufacturing time, reflect patient's requirements and allow the manufacture of high-quality prostheses for missing facial asymmetric parts. The methodology provides a good position for further development issues and is usable for clinical practice. Clinical relevance Utilization of digital technologies in facial prosthesis manufacturing process can be a good contribution for higher patient comfort and higher production efficiency but with higher initial investment and demands for experience with software tools.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Palousek
authors.forename: Jiri
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosicky
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koutny
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000639:trends*; D062609:Electronic Nose / Q000639:trends*; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D062069:Inventions / Q000639:trends*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000639:trends*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones
keywords: Fabrication techniques; prosthetic design; prosthetics